The Maratha reservation protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan took an unexpected turn on Saturday as many protesters opted for sightseeing instead of staying at the rain-soaked ground. With heavy showers leaving the protest site muddy and inconvenient, large groups of agitators from across Maharashtra headed to popular city landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Nariman Point, and the iconic Taj Hotel.

Videos from the second day of the agitation showed young protesters dancing to the beats of drums at the Gateway of India, while others posed for selfies and recorded videos. The Taj Hotel, situated near the Gateway, also became a major attraction, with a video of protesters entering the premises going viral on social media.

The influx of protesters into Mumbai continued for the second day, with large numbers arriving from Marathwada and other regions. The heavy turnout caused significant traffic congestion on the Thane Creek Bridge, Atal Setu, and the Eastern Freeway.

On Friday, the first day of the protest, several agitators were also seen roaming around Nariman Point. With Azad Maidan waterlogged, many participants once again chose to explore Mumbai’s iconic spots on Saturday.